Pantheon (2022)

For a long time, I have not seen any series that required me to cool my jets before making reviews. I don't think I have seen any movie that makes me question my ability to do it justice - I mean the best I can do. This series is so deep and left me reeling that I had to take a few hours to cool off from the excitement. I am not a fan of sci-fi but this might just begin to change my views.

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Pantheon is an American sci-fi/thriller animated series that revolves around technology, human identity and singularity, consciousness and the apex of technology in our world. It follows the rather thrilling story of Maddie, a grieving teenager and her father, David, who happens to be one of the first leapers in technology becoming a UI (Uploaded Intelligence).

The story begins with the rivalry between Logorhythms and Alliance Telecom, the two most prominent tech companies in the world. Maddie does not just get caught up in it, but her ‘dead’ father too and then, Caspian Keyes, a broody teenager with a troublesome family and a rather steep background. The secrets and the twists that are uncovered are unconventional.

I have to say that this is not your regular sci-fi. It not only incorporates exquisite taste for world building but also the emotional elements as well. It relates and speaks to the human consciousness in regards to many voiced out feelings regarding technology - example is AI and digital currencies. It also explores the many facets of technology and the cusp which may pose a problem; just how much technology is bad?

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The rise of conflict begins early in the series but the prominent one stood out as Ellen’s rejection of Dave’s comeback. That was only a glimpse of the problem that would come further down the line with other humans and the thought of technology. Just yesterday, I and someone in my comments exchanged our two cents on how the fear of the unknown is rather the reason for so much hate. This is also explored here.

When I said Caspian Keyes had a very steep background, I meant it. I did not see it coming with him. The twists in this series were mind blowing and engaging. There was no dull moment and I won’t lie, it was getting way too deep that I would take breaks. Real world problems introduced in fiction with great visuals and art to accompany it. The plot is a well concocted potion of emotions, contrary views and well thought out characters.

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Stephen Holstrom and Caspian Keyes were only an introduction as we get to see. It gets deeper and better and oh my God, it was worth every second I sat to watch sixteen episodes of it. Characters like Laurie Lowell and Vinod Chanda made it all the more interesting. Complex people debating real world problems leading to inevitable chaos. Chaos that happened to be the answer to it all.

Honestly, this is the best movie I have seen. From the plot to the characters, it was all mind blowing. There were just so many things going on at once and for a sci-fi series, it was quite easy to understand. What a World it was! This series is a solid 9.5/10 for me. Bingeworthy!